Politics of Art Funding

The SCCA (Soros Centers for Contemporary Art) network of local organizations promoting contemporary art was one arm of a vast international charitable organization, financed by Wallstreet billionaire George Soros. Through these centers, funding for contemporary art through his Open Society Foundation was flowing into Eastern European and post-Sovjet countries during the period of “transition to capitalism”.
The research project traces the background of Soros’ charitable organization and the underlying policies of art funding. It questions the role of art within societies as they adjust to real capitalism: is art a means of re-education for enlightened citizens who embrace mass privatizations, competition and free markets? If so, how is it to be done?
Art historian Misko Suvakovic coined the term ‘Soros Realism’, ironically referring to the typical forms of art resulting from the curatorial filters of so-called ‘Soros Centers for Contemporary Art’. The portrait-painting of George Soros responds critically to this stereotype by referencing an older stereotypical style, namely, Socialist Realism.